💖 DEVOTIONAL:
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV)
In the stillness of the early morning, the world sleeps, but the disciplined rise. The artist opens their sketchbook, the writer sits before a blank page, the musician picks up their instrument. Each one feels the same tug of comfort, the same whisper to stay in bed a bit longer. But they don’t yield. Why? Because they understand a powerful truth: discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
Motivation is often fleeting, a burst of energy that can quickly dissipate. It’s like a spark—brilliant but short-lived. Discipline, on the other hand, is a steady flame. It doesn’t rely on the ebbs and flows of our emotional state but persists through every season. When we lean on motivation alone, we may find ourselves stranded when the initial excitement fades. But discipline keeps us moving forward, step by step, even when the journey is hard.
Consider Paul’s analogy to an athlete: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25, ESV). Training requires consistent effort and perseverance. It’s not glamorous. It’s not always exciting. But it’s necessary. Just as an athlete trains their body, we must train our creative and spiritual muscles. This means showing up every day, even when we don’t feel like it. It means pushing through the resistance and focusing on the larger picture.
Discipline is rooted in purpose. When our creative endeavors are aligned with God’s purpose for our lives, we find strength beyond our own. We create not for our glory but for His. We work not to elevate ourselves but to serve others and reflect the Creator’s creativity. In doing so, our discipline becomes an act of worship.
So, the next time you’re tempted to wait for motivation, remember this: you don’t need it. What you need is the quiet, steadfast commitment to your calling. Trust that God sees your efforts, and He will bless the fruits of your disciplined labor. As 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 reminds us, the reward for our disciplined pursuit is not perishable but eternal—a prize that far surpasses any fleeting burst of motivation.
🙏 PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to embrace discipline in our creative and spiritual lives. When we feel the temptation to wait for motivation, remind us of the power of consistent effort. Strengthen our resolve to pursue our calling with dedication and perseverance. May our disciplined work bring glory to Your name and reflect Your steadfast love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
✅ Create a simple checklist for your daily creative tasks. On days when you lack motivation, commit to completing at least one small task from the list, no matter how minor it seems. Breaking down your creative work into manageable chunks can make it less daunting and help you build momentum.
⌛ Also, set a timer for 15-30 minutes to work on your creative project, promising yourself that you can stop when the timer goes off. Often, starting is the hardest part, and you may find that once you begin, you’re able to continue beyond the initial time. Celebrate small victories to encourage a consistent practice.
What do you guys think of these book cover designs?
Want to see the designs closer? I’ll be posting these on our Instagram page later today!
THAT’S IT FOR THIS WEEK’S DROP!
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—Brian V.
SO good, Brian! Needed this one! Thank you and God bless you!